PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 9: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play against the Toronto Raptors during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Just hours after free agency opened, the Miami Heat acquired Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
It looked like the Miami Heat were headed for another boring offseason, but after solidifying a meeting with Jimmy Butler tonight in Miami, the Heat agreed to a sign-and-trade with the 76ers in order to bring Butler to Miami. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Butler had been moved to Miami for Josh Richardson.
Shortly after it was announced that Butler had been sent to the Heat, Shams Charania of The Athletic, reported that he had agreed to a four-year maximum contract with the Heat worth $142 million.
Dating back all the way to the beginning of last season, it was extremely obvious that both the Miami Heat and Butler wanted to link up. However, after trade talks fell through with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Heat stopped the pursuit for Butler as he ended up being traded to the 76ers.
There is no doubt that the Heat have been looking for a new superstar to join their franchise since the era of the big three. It was only a matter of time before Pat Riley would land his next big star player, and it finally came with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. With the Heat roster just being good enough to contend for a playoff spot before trading for Butler, the Heat knew they needed to do something to improve their chances in the highly competitive Eastern conference moving forward.
For now, the Heat have sent guard/forward, Josh Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, because they do not have the cap space to sign Butler while only losing Richardson, look for there to be more moving pieces from the Heat in order to clear cap space.
Pat Riley has finally landed his next “whale”, and the Heat once again have another superstar on their roster.